Thierry Henry comparison made as ex-Liverpool star reveals why Florian Wirtz is struggling at Anfield ✅
Florian Wirtz’s Early Liverpool Struggles Explained as Jason McAteer Points Out Key Reasons
Florian Wirtz has found it difficult to make his mark since arriving at Liverpool in the summer. The Reds made a bold statement by signing the highly-rated German midfielder from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth a then-British record fee of £116 million.
However, the 22-year-old has yet to score or assist in the Premier League and was left on the bench for recent matches against Everton and Chelsea. His slow start has raised questions among fans and pundits, and former Liverpool midfielder Jason McAteer believes there are several factors behind his struggles.
“It’s a heavy price tag, so people expect you to perform straight away,” McAteer told the Liverpool ECHO, via Casino.org Ireland. “But it doesn’t always work like that. Look at Thierry Henry — it took him seven games to score his first goal for Arsenal. Out of the top 40 most expensive transfers, only about 18 have truly lived up to the price. It’s not easy.”
McAteer explained that moving from Germany to England brings extra challenges.
“The Premier League is more physical and demanding. There’s more pressure and scrutiny here than in the Bundesliga. When you play for Liverpool, you’re expected to win every week, especially when you cost that much money.”
He also pointed out that Wirtz is still adapting to life off the pitch.
“He’s got to find a home, get used to a new language, and settle down. All those things take time.”
The former midfielder admitted that Wirtz has shown flashes of quality but hasn’t yet delivered consistent performances.
“He’s had good moments, but not for a full 90 minutes. Right now, playing him feels like a bit of a luxury.”
McAteer believes Wirtz’s style of play has also made it harder for him to fit into Arne Slot’s pressing system.
“He’s not like Dominik Szoboszlai, who starts the press. Wirtz likes to drift and wait for the ball. That’s just the kind of player he is. He’s still learning the tactical side.”
He added that the Liverpool boss is still experimenting with Wirtz’s best position.
“Slot’s played him on the right, as a false nine, as a number 10, even on the left. He hasn’t nailed down one role yet — and that’s also because the team itself hasn’t really found its rhythm this season.”
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